Some 35 French boats confronted five British vessels off the coast of northern France, with reports of rocks and smoke bombs being hurled at UK vessels

Minister George Eustice last night called for calm as tense industry negotiations designed to end the conflict collapsed when French fisherman refused to offer the Brits decent compensation not to fish the waters.

Crews clashed last month over laws that allow British boats to gather scallops year-round, but place restrictions on French vessels.

Shocking footage shows the moment a British fishing vessel went up in flames

Environment minister George Eustice responded by saying it was the responsibility of the French authorities to police and enforce fishing activity in the area.

He told MPs that he had written to his French counterpart to express his “disappointment” at an agreement not being reached to end the scallop wars in the English Channel.

He told the Commons: “I have also asked the French government to consider the alternative options available to them. The UK industry is legally allowed to fish in the Bay of Seine. They have shown considerable restraint during the negotiations and I welcome their cooperation and understanding.”

Mr Eustice said he has emphasised the “absolute need for safety to remain paramount” and he hoped a “mutually beneficial outcome might still be agreed”.